CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson – Love and Leadership in the Church
Who do you love?
You may love your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, younger sister, younger brother, older sister, older brother, teachers, or friends.
These may be some of the people you love, right?
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12)
This is God’s commandment. But is this how we love others?
God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to Earth. The Son faced many struggles, was crucified, and was buried. He resurrected on the third day and went up to heaven. Now, He intercedes for us, seated at the right hand of God. The disobedience of the first parents, Adam and Eve, was compensated by the obedience of the Son of God. This is God’s eternal love. God wants us to live by loving like this — loving others without any expectations.
Do you remember what Jesus replied to Peter when Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”?
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church.
In AD 37, St. Peter established the Holy Throne in Antioch. Many people gave their lives to protect the true faith of the church.
H. H. Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II
Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II is the 123rd Patriarch, sitting on the throne of St. Peter, serving the church.
On May 3, 1965, he was born to Issa Karim and Khanema in Qamishli, Syria. He grew up under divine care. He joined seminary at the age of 12, which brought him closer to God.
He served as secretary to the 122nd Bava, Ignatius Zakka I, and also taught at Damascus seminary. He studied in Ireland, later earning his Doctorate there.
We should pray for Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the 123rd Patriarch, head of the Syrian Orthodox Church, which includes the Knanaya Syrian Samudhayam. We should also remember in our prayers our Bishops, Church Fathers, and Deacons, whose prayers and intercessions are greatly needed for us — the members of the apostolic church.
My Prayer
God, bless our Bava, our bishops, and our church fathers so that they can lead the church to the kingdom of heaven. Mother Mary, be with us and help us walk through the path of the Holy Spirit.